Cunningham scores 16th as FC Dallas downs Revs

Oct 1, 2009 - 2:12 AM
By AMIT KALUSKAR
STATS MLS Correspondent

DALLAS (STATS)- Maybe it took a new setting for FC Dallas to
finally get a breakthrough defensive performance, but a
71st-minute goal from Jeff Cunningham and a defense that allowed
only two shots on goal led to a 1-0 win over the New England
Revolution on Wednesday night.

"For us to get a 1-0 win that doesn't happen," Dallas coach
Schellas Hyndman said. "Our defense always lets us down at the
most inappropriate times, but this is a step in the right
direction."

The game played at the Cotton Bowl was the first match of a
doubleheader, with the second game an international friendly
between Mexico and Columbia. FC Dallas played at the Cotton Bowl
from 1996-2002 and 2004-2005 before moving to Pizza Hut Park in
August 2005.

FC Dallas entered the game with 43 goals allowed, tied for
second-most in the MLS, but has posted consecutive shutouts for
the second time this season. Dallas also blanked Kansas City and
Houston on Aug. 1 and Aug. 6, respectively.

New England (10-9-7) remained on 37 points, good for third in
the Eastern Conference and eighth in the MLS. The top two teams
in each conference qualify for the playoffs and the next four
teams with the highest overall point totals receive wild-card
berths.

The Revolution are 1-3-1 in their last five matches and
struggled without playmaking midfielder Steve Ralston, who
sustained a season-ending knee injury Saturday against Seattle
FC.

FC Dallas (9-12-6) - currently 12th overall - still has an
outside chance at the playoffs with 33 points and three matches
remaining.

"We still have games we can win and we still have a chance to
get in," Dallas defender Ugo Ihemelu said. "We just have to keep
playing our game."

Cunningham scored his MLS-leading 16th goal, which puts him one
ahead of Colorado's Conor Casey. Atiba Harris started the
scoring sequence with a cross to Jair Benitez, who directed the
ball to Cunningham. The striker then headed a shot into the left
corner of the net from the top of the 6-yard box.

"I'm not known to score too many with my head," Cunningham said
of the goal. "It was a good cross and I re-directed into the
net."

Dallas forward Dave van den Bergh, who has a team-best 10
assists, left in the 26th minute because of a right ankle
injury.

"I felt like this was a playoff type game," Cunningham said.
"Their defenders were organized and didn't give many chances.
There weren't many good looks for both teams."

Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis finished the game with five
saves while FC Dallas goalie Dario Sala made two.